Refrigerator appliance with hot water dispenser

ABSTRACT

A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet via a hollow hinge to selectively open and close at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment. A water heater is mounted on an exterior surface of the cabinet about the hollow hinge and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel, and a hot water conduit is guided through the hollow hinge and extending from the water heater to the hot water dispenser to supply the hot water from the heater to the dispenser. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to refrigeration appliances,and in particular to dispensing units associated with refrigerationappliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern refrigeration appliances, such as household refrigerators forexample, often include as one of their features a dispenser fordispensing content, the content typically being water and/or ice.Frequently, the dispenser is located within a recess in the exteriorsurface of a door of the appliance. The refrigeration appliance can takeany one of a number of forms. For example, the refrigeration appliancecan have freezer and fresh food compartments that are arrangedside-by-side, the freezer compartment can be located above the freshfood compartment, or the freezer can be located below the fresh foodcompartment. In any case, separate doors can be provided for the freezerand fresh food compartments and a dispenser can be located within therecess in the exterior of at least one of the doors.

Conventionally, the dispenser can include at least an outlet fordispensing water and an outlet for dispensing ice. Associated with thewater dispensing outlet can be a lever in the form of a cradle or otheractuating device that is pivotally attached to the dispenser. Inaddition to a lever, the actuating device could also be used with othertypes of vessel detection such as optical, visual, or ultrasonic, etc.When water is to be dispensed, a receiver vessel, usually in the form ofa beverage glass, is pressed against the lever thereby operating aswitch or sensor so as to complete an electrical circuit between asource of electrical power and a solenoid-operated valve connected to asource of water. The completion of the electrical circuit opens thesolenoid-operated valve (or even other types of valves, such as motoractuated valves, etc.) permitting the water to flow from the source ofwater to the water dispensing outlet.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Moreover,this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of theinvention nor delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose ofthe summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplifiedform as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presentedlater.

In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a refrigeratoris provided, comprising a cabinet formed with at least one refrigeratedcompartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet via a hollowhinge to selectively open and close at least a portion of therefrigerated compartment. A water heater is mounted on an exteriorsurface of the cabinet about the hollow hinge and configured to heatwater supplied from the refrigerator. A hot water dispenser ispositioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water suppliedfrom the water heater into a receiver vessel, and a hot water conduit isguided through the hollow hinge and extending from the water heater tothe hot water dispenser to supply the hot water from the heater to thedispenser.

In accordance with another aspect of the present application, a methodof dispensing hot water from a dispenser positioned on a door of anappliance is provided. The method comprises the steps of actuating a hotwater activation switch configured to selectively operate the hot waterheater, and operating a water heating element to heat water suppliedfrom the appliance, after the hot water activation switch is actuated.The method further comprises the steps of actuating a hot waterdispensing switch configured to selectively dispense hot water, anddispensing hot water supplied from the water heater via the dispensernozzle and into a receiver vessel, after the hot water dispensing switchis actuated.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description present example and explanatoryembodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview orframework for understanding the nature and character of the invention asit is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide afurther understanding of the invention and are incorporated into andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate variousexample embodiments of the invention, and together with the description,serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the presentinvention relates upon reading the following description with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front elevation view of a refrigeration applianceillustrating one example dispensing unit;

FIG. 2 is a schematic partial perspective view of a refrigeratorillustrating one example location of an example water heater;

FIG. 3 is detail view of the example water heater of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail view of an example dispensing unit and userinterface; and

FIGS. 5A-5B are two detail views of an example dispensing nozzle indifferent positions.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the presentapplication are described and illustrated in the drawings. Theseillustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the presentapplication. For example, one or more aspects of the present applicationcan be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices.Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and isnot to be taken as a limitation on the present application. Stillfurther, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed fordesignating the same elements.

Turning to the shown example of FIG. 1, a refrigeration appliance in theform of a refrigerator 10 is illustrated as a side-by-side refrigeratorwith freezer and fresh food compartments. Conventional refrigerationappliances, such as domestic refrigerators, typically have both a freshfood compartment and a freezer compartment or section. The fresh foodcompartment is where food items such as fruits, vegetables, andbeverages are stored and the freezer compartment is where food itemsthat are to be kept in a frozen condition are stored. The refrigeratorsare provided with a refrigeration system that maintains the fresh foodcompartment at temperatures above 0° C. and the freezer compartments attemperatures below 0° C. While the present application is describedherein by way of an example refrigeration appliance, it is contemplatedthat various other appliances could also be used, such as stoves,dishwashers, microwaves, stand-alone refrigerators, freezers, orice-makers, etc.

The arrangement of the fresh food and freezer compartments with respectto one another in such refrigerators vary. For example, in some cases,the freezer compartment is located above the fresh food compartment(i.e., a top mount refrigerator), and in other cases the freezercompartment is located below the fresh food compartment (i.e. a bottommount refrigerator). Additionally, many modern refrigerators have theirfreezer compartments and fresh food compartments arranged in aside-by-side relationship. Whatever arrangement of the freezercompartment and the fresh food compartment is employed, typically,separate access doors are provided for the refrigerated compartments sothat either compartment may be accessed without exposing the othercompartment to the ambient air. For example, a door 12 provides accessto the freezer compartment, and a door 14 provides access to the freshfood compartment of the refrigerator. Both of the doors are pivotallycoupled to a cabinet of the refrigerator 10 to restrict and grant accessto the fresh food and freezer compartments. While the presentapplication is described herein by way of an example side-by-siderefrigerator configuration, it is contemplated that any refrigeratorconfiguration can be used, such as top-mount or bottom-mountrefrigerators having at least one door.

Located generally centrally at the surface or exterior of the door 12 isan example dispenser indicated generally at 30. It is understood thatdispenser 30 could also be located at various locations on therefrigerator cabinet, refrigerator door or even inside the refrigerator.As can best be seen in FIG. 1, the dispenser 30 is located in a recess16 in the door 12. The recess comprises side walls or surfaces 18 and 20that are opposite one another, a bottom or lower wall or surface 22, anupper or top wall or surface 24 and a back or rear wall or surface 26. Awater dispensing outlet 32 for dispensing cold water and an icedispensing outlet 34 for dispensing ice are located at the upper surface24 of the recess 16. In the shown embodiment of FIG. 1, the dispenser 30can include a single dispensing outlet for the water 32 and ice 34arranged so as to substantially coincide with one another at the uppersurface 24 of the recess 16. However, in an alternative embodiment (notshown), a single dispensing outlet for water 32 and a single dispensingoutlet for ice 34 can be arranged so as to be spaced apart from oneanother at the upper surface 24 of the recess 16 across the width of theaccess door 12 and not coincide with each other. The bottom surface 22of the recess 16 can include a trough and/or drain for containing and/ordraining away excess water from the water dispensing outlet 32 and/orwater formed from melting ice from the ice dispensing outlet 34 thatcomes to rest on the bottom surface 22.

Turning briefly to FIG. 2, at least one water line 36 extends from thewater dispensing outlet 32 to a water source 60. The water source 60 canbe, for example the household water supply, a water reservoir within therefrigerator or connected to the household water supply, or such othersources as are familiar to those having ordinary skill in the art.Additionally, at least one water filter 62 can be located in fluidcommunication with the at least one water line 36 to purify the incomingwater. The water filter 62 can be disposed in various locations, such asinside or outside of the refrigerator 10, or even inside the door 12. Asolenoid-operated valve 37 can be located in fluid communication withthe water line 36 and can be controlled by control unit that can includea microprocessor, for example as discussed below. Though described as asolenoid-operated valve, other types of valves can be used, such asmotor actuated valves or the like.

The ice dispensing outlet 34 includes essentially an opening in theupper surface 24 of the recess 16. The opening is in communication witha source of ice such as, for example, the ice storage bin of an icemaking unit (not shown) located in the fresh food or freezer compartmentof the refrigerator. Typically, as is familiar to those of ordinaryskill in the art, the ice is delivered from the ice storage bin to theice dispensing outlet 34 by an auger which upon activation rotates so asto drive the ice from the storage bin to the ice dispensing outlet 34.Activation of the auger can be accomplished by the control unit thatalso controls the operation of a solenoid-operated valve located in thewater line 36, or by other control structure.

At least one switch 38 can be electronically coupled to the control unitand be configured to dispense either or both of water from the waterdispensing outlet 32 and ice from the ice dispensing outlet 34.Alternatively, separate switches (not shown) can be provided for each ofthe water dispensing outlet 32 and the ice dispensing outlet 34. The atleast one switch 38 can be a contact-style switch, or can alternativelybe non-contact style switch, including other types of vessel detectionsuch as optical, visual, or ultrasonic, etc. In addition oralternatively, at least these functions can be controlled by themicroprocessor, which can be appropriately programmed using informationthat is input by a user to a user interface 40 that is electricallyconnected to the microprocessor. The user interface 40 includes variouscontrol features, such as cold water, crushed or cubed ice, childlockout, lighting, etc. Thus, when a receiver vessel such as a glass isinserted within the recess 16 and the switch 38 is activated, waterand/or ice can be dispensed on-demand into the receiver vessel.

The water line 36 can be provided to the water dispensing outlet 32 inthe door 12 in various manners. In one example, the water line 36 can beprovided to an aperture of the door 12 at various locations using via aflexible line that is of sufficient length and flexibility toaccommodate the pivoting action of the door 12 as it is selectivelyopened and closed. In another example, the door 12 can be pivotallymounted to the cabinet 11 via a hollow hinge 64 to selectively open andclose at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment. The hollowhinge 64 can provide the dual purpose of enabling the door 12 to pivot,while also providing an aperture therethrough to receive the water line36. For example, the hollow hinge 64 can include a hollow hinge pin orthe like, although various other hinges are considered. Moreover,although the hollow hinge 64 is shown located towards a top surface ofthe door 12, it is contemplated that the hollow hinge 64 could similarlybe disposed towards the middle or bottom of the door 12. Thus, the waterline 36 can pass through the hollow hinge 64, into an interior of thedoor 12, and to the water dispensing outlet 32 of the dispenser 30.

Keeping with FIGS. 1-2, the appliance can further be configured todispense hot water upon request. Preferably, the appliance can dispensehot water “instantly,” meaning on demand in a relatively short amount oftime without having to maintain a reservoir of hot water. In one exampleconfiguration, a water heater 70 is mounted on an exterior surface ofthe cabinet 11 and is configured to heat water supplied from therefrigerator, such as from the water source 60. The in-line water heater70 can heat water on demand, thus, the refrigerator 10 generally doesnot store water and no separate hot water tank is used for storing hotwater therein to improve space utilization efficiency of therefrigerator 10 and decrease heat insulation concerns. While an in-linestyle heater is described herein, it is contemplated that various otherheater types and configurations could be used, such as a cartridge-styleheater or the like.

The water heater 70 can be located variously about exterior surfaces ofthe cabinet 11, such as towards the top, side, bottom, or rear, surfacesor even in the machine room. In one example, as shown, the water heater70 can be disposed on a top exterior surface 13 of the cabinet 11. Thewater heater 70 may be located generally about the hollow hinge 64, suchas located variously about the exterior surfaces of the cabinet 11(e.g., the top exterior surface 13 is shown) and spaced at variousdistances from the hollow hinge 64, or could even in contact with thehollow hinge 64. Thus, heat generated by operation of the water heater70 is dissipated generally upwards into the ambient environment and awayfrom the refrigerated compartments. Optionally, a protective cover 66 isarranged over the water heater 70 to protect the heater against usercontact, moisture and/or dust. The protective cover 66 is preferablymade of a temperature resistant material, such as plastic or metal, andmay include holes or grooves to facilitate passive heat dissipation. Theprotective cover 66 is preferably removable to permit service, and/orprovides at least one removable service panel. The protective cover 66may also provide a visual cover to hide the water heater 70 andassociated elements from view, such as from a user standing in front ofthe refrigerator 10. The protective cover 66 may be separate from ahinge cover (not shown) provided over the door hinge, or may be coupledto or formed with such a hinge cover. In addition or alternatively, anupper portion 15 of the refrigerator door 12 may extend upwards topartially or completely obscure the hinge 64, water heater 70, and/orprotective cover 66 from view. An insulated shielding layer (not shown)can be positioned between the water heater 70 and the top exteriorsurface 13 of the cabinet 11 to inhibit undesired heat from enteringinto the refrigerated compartment.

With reference to FIG. 3, a detail view illustrates one example waterheater 70 that includes an in-line style heater, with a heating element72 coupled to a water channel 74 to provide close contact with the waterflowing therethrough. The in-line style heater generates heat throughthe application of electric power thereto to heat the water flowingthrough water channel 74 to a predetermined temperature. The closecontact with the water provides for efficient heating with less powerconsumption compared to an external heater because there is less loss ofheat generated from the heater. It is contemplated that the heatingelement 72 can directly contact and heat the water, or as shown, canindirectly contact via the water channel 74 to heat the water. The waterchannel 74 can be made of various materials having a relatively highthermally conductivity (e.g., metal, such as aluminum, copper, steel,etc.). While the illustrated example in-line style heater is describedas an example, it is understood that various other types of waterheaters having various configurations can also be used without departingfrom the scope of the present application.

In the shown example, the heating element 72 can extend along at leastpartially, such as substantially all of, a length of the water channel74 to thereby heat the water flowing through the water channel 74. It iscontemplated that the heating element 72 can follow along or even wrapabout the water channel 74, or vice-versa, such as with a coiled waterchannel about a cartridge heater or the like. Additionally, althoughshown as a semi-circular configuration, it is contemplated that theheating element 72 and/or water channel 74 can have various geometries.Preferably, the heating element 72 and water channel 74 are configuredto heat the water quickly and on demand, with no separate hot water tankfor storing hot water, or for retaining much, if any, residual waterafter the water heating process is complete.

Water from the water source 60 can enter the water channel 74 via aninput 76, where it is heated by flowing through the water channel 74 andalong the heating element 72, and then exit the water channel 74 via anoutlet 78. Water flows from the water source 60 through a water inletline 80 to the water inlet 76 of the water channel 74. The water inletline 80 can be the same or different from the water line 36 for the coldwater dispenser outlet 32. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the waterinlet line 80 for the water heater 70 can be independent from the waterline 36 by a manifold 82, which can be a “T”-junction or the like. Wherea manifold 82 is used, it can be beneficial to provide a water filter 62upstream of the manifold 82 so that a single filter can be used topurify water for both of the water dispenser outlet 32 and water heater70 (and possibly other water-using devices, such as an ice maker),although it is contemplated that a plurality of water filters (notshown) can be used for each independent water line to independentlypurify the different water streams. In another embodiment (not shown),the water inlet line 80 can extend directly from the water source 60 tothe water heater 70.

Additionally, a solenoid-operated valve 84 can be located in fluidcommunication with the water line 80 and can be controlled by thecontrol unit and/or microprocessor. Though described as asolenoid-operated valve, other types of valves can be used, such asmotor actuated valves or the like. Operation of the valve 84 selectivelypermits the flow of water through the water heater 70. In addition oralternatively, as will be discussed below, the valve 84 can alsoregulate the flow of water through the water heater 70. An optionalwater flow meter 86 can also be installed on the water inlet line 80(before or after the water heater 70) and downstream of the valve 84.The water flow meter 86 is configured to measure an amount of waterflowing through the water heater 70, such as a water flow rate(volumetric flow or mass flow), or even a quantity of water (volumetricor mass) that has passed through the water heater 70. The water flowmeter 86 may operate together with the control unit and/ormicroprocessor, may be coupled to or part of the valve 84, or may evenoperate independently. In one example, the valve 84 (with or without thewater flow meter 86) can selectively restrict the water flow rate to beno more than a predetermined amount, such as 7 oz/30 sec, althoughvarious flow rates are contemplated. In another example, an independentadjustable or non-adjustable flow regulator could be separate from thevalve 84 and placed in-line to restrict the water flow rate to be nomore than a predetermined amount. It is further contemplated that thewater flow meter 86 may also be used as a safety device to permitoperation of the water heating element 72 only when water is sensed tobe flowing through the hot water channel 74, and may otherwise directlyor indirectly inhibit operation of the heating element 72. While onlyone valve 84 is shown, it is contemplated that at least one more valvecould be utilized near the dispenser 30 to inhibit after-flow of hotwater after a dispensing operation is complete.

In addition or alternatively, at least one temperature sensor 88 can beassociated with the water heater 70 to measure the temperature of theheated water. In one example, the temperature sensor 88 can be attachedto the water channel 74 to measure the temperature of the water in thehot water channel 74 being heated by the heating element 72. It iscontemplated that the temperature sensor 88 can directly contact thewater, or can indirectly contact the water (as shown) via the waterchannel 74 to measure the water temperature. Alternatively, thetemperature sensor 88 can be located downstream of the water channel 74,such as in-line with the water outlet 78. Various types of temperaturesensors can be used, such as thermistors or thermocouples, or others asknown in the art. The temperature sensor 88 can indirectly or directlycontrol operation of the heating element 72 and/or valve 84, and can beoperatively coupled to the control unit and/or microprocessor, or mayeven be coupled to or part of the valve 84, or may even operateindependently. Based on the measured water temperature, the heatingelement 72 and/or valve 84 can be selectively operated, such as toincrease or decrease the amount of heat applied to the water and/or thewater flow rate. In addition or alternatively, upon initial operation ofthe water heater 70, the water flow can be reduced or even stopped bythe valve 84 until heating element 72 and/or water within the waterchannel 74 reaches a predetermined operating temperature sensed by thetemperature sensor 88.

In addition or alternatively, more than one temperature sensor can beutilized, such as a temperature sensor to measure the incoming watertemperature, and/or even the temperature of the water ultimatelydispensed to a user. For example, the control unit or microprocessor cantake into account temperature difference(s) among any or all of thewater source temperature, the measured value of the water being heatedby the heater, and the final temperature ultimately dispensed to a user,and vary the operation of the heating element 72 and/or valve 84. Inaddition or alternatively, an overload sensor 89 can be operativelycoupled to the water heater 70 to provide overload protection duringoperation. The overload sensor 89 can sense temperature and/orelectrical load (voltage, current, resistance, etc.) during operation ofthe heating element 72, and if the sensed value exceeds a predeterminedamount, can directly or indirectly stop operation of the heating element72. For example, if the heating element 72 exceeds a predeterminedmaximum temperature, and/or exceeds a predetermined maximum electricalload, the overload sensor 89 can stop operation of the heating element72 directly, such as acting like a fuse or circuit breaker, or can evenfunction indirectly via the control unit or microprocessor.

A hot water dispenser 90 is positioned on the door 12 that is configuredto dispense hot water supplied from the water heater 70 into a receivervessel 92. The hot water dispenser 90 includes a dispenser nozzle 94 fordispensing the hot water into the receiver vessel 92. The hot waterdispenser nozzle 94 is located within the dispenser 30 and is spacedapart from the cold water dispenser outlet 32 and ice dispensing outlet34. A hot water conduit 96 extends from the water heater 70 to the hotwater dispenser 90 to supply the hot water from the water heater 70 tothe dispenser nozzle 94. The hot water conduit 96 is coupled to the hotwater outlet 78 of the water channel 74, and is guided through thehollow hinge 64 to extend through the interior of the door 12 and to thehot water dispenser nozzle 94. Depending upon where the water heater 70is spaced about the hollow hinge 64, the hot water conduit 96 couldinclude an insulated jacket or the like if the water heater 70 is spaceda relatively large distance from the hollow hinge 64. The hot waterconduit 96 can be captured in the door foam or even in its own channel.The hot water conduit 96 is made of a material capable of withstandingthe hot water temperatures, and may be an insulated line. Additionally,the hot water conduit 96 can extend through the same hollow hinge 64 asthe cold water line 36, and could be arranged in close proximity.Optional separating structure may be provided to keep the two linesspaced apart. For example, either or both line could include insulation,and/or the hollow hinge 64 could be provided with separate apertures(not shown) or even a separating wall (not shown) within a commonaperture.

In an effort to reduce the possibility of inadvertent hot waterdispensing, an example method of dispensing hot water utilizes at leasttwo distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hotwater. Turning now to FIGS. 4-5B, a hot water user interface 100 can beprovided to present various controls to the user. Although shown as anindependent interface, it is understood that the hot water userinterface 100 could also be a part of the ice and water dispenser userinterface 40 or even part of another appliance user interface. However,it can be beneficial for the entire hot water dispensing system to beseparate from the electronic controls of the refrigerator 10. Generally,the shown example hot water user interface 100 includes a hot wateractivation switch 102 to selectively operate the hot water heater 70.Operation of the hot water activation switch 102 by the user canselectively turn the hot water dispensing system on and off, and mayinclude an alert, such as illuminated visual indicia 104 or an audiblesound, to indicate whether the hot water dispensing system is active orinactive. When active, hot water can be dispensed upon actuation of atleast one additional switch the user, while hot water dispensing isprevented when the system is in an inactive state. It is understood thatas used herein, the term “actuating” refers to changing state (e.g.,changing a state of a switch from on to off or vice-versa, or someintermediate condition over a range).

In a further example, the hot water user interface 100 can include a hotwater dispensing switch 106 configured to selectively control dispensingof the hot water from the dispenser nozzle 94. Operation of the hotwater dispensing switch 106 by the user can selectively cause water toflow through the water heater 70, such as by operating the water valve84. Operation of the hot water dispensing switch 106 by the user mayalso cause the water heating element 72 to operate and thereby heat thewater. An alert, such as illuminated visual indicia 108 or an audiblesound can be provided to indicate whether hot water is actively beingdispensed by the system.

It is further contemplated that the dispensing of the hot water may bepermitted only when the user is actuating one or more of the switches.For example, the user can actively actuate both of the hot wateractivation switch 102 and the hot water dispensing switch 106 to permitdispensing, and the system will stop dispensing if either switch isreleased. Actuating the hot water activation switch 102 can selectivelyoperate the hot water heater 70, including operating the water heatingelement 72 to heat the water after the hot water activation switch 102is actuated. Then, actuating the hot water dispensing switch 106 canselectively dispense hot water supplied from the water heater 70 via thedispenser nozzle 94 and into the receiver vessel 92, after the hot waterdispensing switch 106 is actuated. In another example, the hot wateractivation switch 102 may be actuated once, but the dispensing of hotwater is permitted only when the hot water dispensing switch 106 isactively actuated. The hot water dispensing will subsequently stop oncethe user releases the hot water dispensing switch 106. In anotherexample, the system can stop dispensing if the hot water activationswitch 102 is pressed again to deactivate the system. Such methodsutilize at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit thedispensing of hot water.

In yet another example, the hot water dispenser nozzle 94 can beselectively movable between at least a first position 110 and a secondposition 112. The first position 110 is a non-dispensing position, inwhich dispensing of hot water is inhibited, and the second position 112is a dispensing position, in which dispensing of hot water is permitted.Active movement of the dispenser nozzle 94 between the first and secondpositions 110, 112, in combination with either or both of hot wateractivation switch 102 and the hot water dispensing switch 106, canprovide a second (or third) distinct, user-initiated step to permit thedispensing of hot water. The dispenser nozzle 94 can be selectivelymovable between the first and second positions 110, 112 in variousmanners. For example, the dispenser nozzle 94 can slide or translatealong one or more axes, such as left/right, front/back, and/or up/down.In another example, the dispenser nozzle 94 can be configured to rotatebetween the first and second positions 110, 112. As shown in FIG. 4, thedispenser nozzle 94 can rotate generally left and right (or vice-versa),although it is contemplated that the dispenser nozzle 94 can rotatealong one or more axes. It is further contemplated that the dispensernozzle 94 can move in a straight path, angled path, curved path, and/orusing various slide and rotate combinations of the above-describedmovements.

Turning briefly to FIGS. 5A-5B, which are schematic diagrams of the hotwater dispenser 90, the dispenser nozzle 94 can be biased towards thefirst, non-dispensing position 110. A resilient biasing member 114(shown schematically in FIGS. 5A-5B), such as a spring or the like, canbias the dispenser nozzle 94 towards the first position 110. A handle116 or similar structure can be provided to facilitate movement of thedispenser nozzle 94. It is further contemplated that movement of thedispenser nozzle 94 can be performed manually, or even automaticallysuch as by a user-initiated motorized mechanism. Thus, inadvertentdispensing is inhibited, and the user initiates an active step to permitthe dispensing of hot water. Additionally, at least one nozzle switch120 is configured to be actuated when the dispensing nozzle is moved toa selected one of the first position 110 and the second position 112. Asshown, the nozzle switch 120 is actuated when the dispenser nozzle 94 ismoved to the second position 112, although it is contemplated that anozzle switch could be actuated when the dispenser nozzle 94 is movedaway from the first position 110. It is also contemplated that multipleswitches could be used at both of the first and second positions 110,112. A carrier 122 is operatively coupled to the dispenser nozzle 94 andis movable therewith, and carries a projection 124 or similar structurefor actuating the nozzle switch 120. For example, FIG. 5A shows the hotwater dispenser 90 with the dispenser nozzle 94 in the first,non-dispensing position and the nozzle switch 120 in a non-actuatedcondition. Next, FIG. 5B shows the hot water dispenser 90 with thedispenser nozzle 94 rotated to the second, dispensing position. Thecarrier 122 has rotated together with the dispenser nozzle 94, causingthe projection 124 to engage the nozzle switch 120 so that it is in anactuated condition. In other examples, the carrier 122 could beconfigured as a cam with an associated cam projection configured toactuate the nozzle switch 120 upon movement, such as rotation, of thecarrier 122. It is understood that the illustrations of FIGS. 5A-5B areschematic and show only one example construction and movement of thedispenser nozzle 94 and carrier 122, and that various otherconstructions and movements are contemplated.

Example methods of dispensing hot water from the hot water dispenser 90will be described. In one example, the method includes the stepsactuating a hot water activation switch 102, and actuating a hot waterdispensing switch 106, to selectively operate the hot water heater 70.Next, the water heating element 74 is operated to heat water suppliedfrom the appliance. Finally, hot water supplied from the water heater 70is dispensed from the dispenser nozzle 94 and into the receiver vessel92.

In another example, the method includes the steps of moving thedispenser nozzle 94 from a first, non-dispensing position 110 to asecond, dispensing position 112. A hot water activation switch 102 isactuated to selectively operate the hot water heater 70. Next, the waterheating element 74 is operated to heat water supplied from the applianceafter the dispenser nozzle 94 has moved to the second, dispensingposition 112 and the hot water activation switch 102 is actuated.Finally, hot water supplied from the water heater 70 is dispensed fromthe dispenser nozzle 94 and into the receiver vessel 92.

The method can further include the step of actuating a hot waterdispensing switch 106, such that the step of dispensing hot water occursonly while the hot water dispensing switch 106 is actuated. Thus, thehot water activation switch 102 and movement of the dispenser nozzle 94could be considered precursor steps, and dispensing of the hot wateroccurs only while the hot water dispensing switch 106 is activelypressed. Alternatively, the step of dispensing hot water can occur for apredetermined amount of time (which can be preprogrammed, adjustable,and/or dependent upon the size or type of beverage) after the hot waterdispensing switch 106 is actuated, without needing to keep the buttonpressed. In another example, dispensing hot water can occur only whenthe hot water activation switch 102 is actuated prior to the hot waterdispensing switch 106, such that the hot water activation switch 102 canact as a system lock out. It is contemplated that the operation of theswitches 102, 106, 120 can be operated in a specific order (e.g., 102then 120 then 106, or 120 then 102 then 106, etc.) for the hot watersystem to function, or even in out-of-order sequences. In addition oralternatively, the hot water activation switch 102 could also providethe function of a child lock that prevents operation of the water heater70, such as by deactivating the system when the activation switch 102 ispressed and held for a predetermined amount of time (and unlocked in asimilar manner). A visual or audible alert can indicate lock status. Atthe end of the hot water dispensing cycle, little, if any, water remainsin the hot water system. The total hot water dispensing operation can berelatively quick, such as less than about one minute. For example, thedispensing operation could last for about 45 seconds, including about7-8 seconds for warm-up, 30 seconds for dispensing, and about 7-8seconds for finalization and termination.

In addition or alternatively, the method can include time as a variablefor operation of the hot water system. Time between actions can bemeasured variously, such as by the control unit or microprocessor, oreven independently. Thus, the hot water dispensing system can bedeactivated unless two or more buttons are pressed by a user within apredetermined amount of time, such as two to ten seconds (or othertime), which can inhibit inadvertent dispensing of hot water. In oneexample, the method can include the step of measuring a period of timebetween actuation of the hot water activation switch 102 and actuationof the hot water dispensing switch 106, and hot water can be dispensedonly when the measured period of time is less than a predetermined timelimit (which can be fixed or adjustable). In another example, the methodcan include the step of measuring a period of time between the actuationof the hot water activation switch 102 and actuation of the nozzleswitch 120 via movement of the dispensing nozzle 94, and hot water canbe dispensed only when the measured period of time is less than apredetermined time limit. It is contemplated that the abovetime-measured steps can be combined in various orders. It is furthercontemplated that the step of measuring a period of time betweendifferent switch actuations can be done in multiple stages, such asmeasuring a first period of time between two button presses (e.g.,between 102 and 120), and also a second period of time between twobutton presses (e.g., between 120 and 106), and may dispense hot wateronly if both measured time periods are less than predetermined timelimits. It is further contemplated that the step of measuring a periodof time between the switch actuations can be done in an overall totalelapsed time, such as measuring a total elapsed time period of timebetween a first button press and a final button press, regardless ofintermediate button presses, such as (e.g., between 102 and 106), andmay dispense hot water only if total elapsed time period is less thanpredetermined total time limits. Various combinations of the above canbe used. It is further contemplated that one or more predetermined timelimits can be used, which can be similar or different.

In addition or alternatively, the method can include an amount of waterdispensed as a variable for operation of the hot water system. Theamount of dispensed water can be measured variously using the controlunit or microprocessor, such as by the water flow meter 86 or even bydispensing time. Thus, the hot water dispensing system can bedeactivated once a predetermined amount of hot water is dispensed by thesystem to inhibit inadvertent over-dispensing of hot water. In oneexample, the method can include the step of measuring an amount (volumeor mass) of water dispensed from the dispenser nozzle 94 and into thereceiver vessel 92, and stopping the dispensing of hot water once themeasured amount of water is equal to or greater than a predetermineddispensing amount limit. In another example, the method can include anindirect measurement of the dispensed amount by measuring a period ofdispensing time when hot water is being dispensed from the dispensernozzle 94 and into the receiver vessel 92, and stopping the dispensingof hot water once the measured dispensing time is equal to or greaterthan a predetermined dispensing time limit. In one example, the indirectmeasurement can be determined by multiplying the dispensing time by aknown or estimated water volume or mass flow rate.

In addition or alternatively, the above dispensing system can beconfigured to selectively adjust the temperature of the hot waterdispensed into the receiver vessel 92. For example, the average drinkingtemperature for instant drinks is approximately 140° F. In oneembodiment, 140° F. can be set as a default temperature for hot wateroutput. However, research has shown that a temperature betweenapproximately 180 to 185° F. is recommended as a serving temperature forinstant coffee, whereas serving temperature varies for tea products,with recommended values to be about 150° F. for green tea, about 165° F.for white tea, about 180° F. for oolong and about 190° F. for black tea.

The hot water user interface 100 can further include a temperatureselection interface 130 that can include a display 132 and/or variousbuttons, such as a temperature increase button 134 or temperaturedecrease button 136. The selective adjustment of temperature can bemanual, semi-automatic, or even completely automatic. In one example,the selective temperature adjustment can be performed automatically bythe control unit or microprocessor upon selection of a type of beverageby the user. Based on predetermined values, and optionally adjustedbased upon sensed ambient temperature in the environment around therefrigerator 10, the control unit or microprocessor can automaticallyadjust the temperature of the hot water. In a semi-automatic mode, theuser can select a type of beverage and then utilize the temperatureincrease or decrease buttons 134, 136 to adjust the temperature forpersonal taste. In a manual mode, the user can utilize the temperatureincrease or decrease buttons 134, 136 to adjust the temperature to adesired value. After determining the temperature for the hot water, thecontrol unit or microprocessor can adjust the temperature of thedispensed hot water by adjusting operation of the heating element 72(e.g., increase, decrease, pulse, etc.) and/or adjusting operation ofthe water supply valve 84 to alter the water flow through the waterchannel 74 (e.g., increase, decrease, pulse, etc.). It is contemplatedthat the user can save presets of favorite drinks, temperatures, ordrink and temperature combinations. It is further contemplated that thesystem can reset to a default temperature each time the system is used,or may recall the last drink or temperature.

In addition or alternatively, a service mode can be provided to flushwater through the hot water system (e.g., water channel 74, conduit 96,dispensing nozzle 94, etc.), with or without use of the heating element72. For example, the service mode can operate the valve 84 withoutoperating the heating element 72 to flush water through the hot waterdispensing system for service or cleaning. In another example, theservice mode can operate the valve 84 while also operating the heatingelement 72 at a standard or even extra-high temperature (e.g., theboiling point of water), to sanitize flush water through the hot waterdispensing system for service or cleaning. The amount of flushing watercan be predetermined or adjustable.

It is further contemplated that electrical lines (e.g., power, data,etc.) for any or all of the structure described herein can also beguided through the hollow hinge 64 (e.g., user interfaces 40, 100,heating element 72, valves 37, 84, sensors 86, 88, components of thedispensers 32, 34, 90, etc.).

It is understood that, in relation to sensed values, use of the word“exceeds” (and similar words/phrases) refers to sensed values thatdiffer to greater or lesser amount as compared to a known value. Thus, asensed value can exceed a known value by being greater than or less thanthe known value by a certain amount.

The invention has been described with reference to the exampleembodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Examplesembodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention areintended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet formed withat least one refrigerated compartment; a door pivotally mounted to thecabinet via a hollow hinge to selectively open and close at least aportion of the refrigerated compartment; a water heater mounted on anexterior surface of the cabinet about the hollow hinge and configured toheat water supplied from the refrigerator; a hot water dispenserpositioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water suppliedfrom the water heater into a receiver vessel, further comprising adispenser nozzle selectively movable between a first position and asecond position, the first position being a non-dispensing position andthe second position being a dispensing position; at least one nozzleswitch that is actuated when the dispensing nozzle is moved to aselected one of the first position and the second position; a hot waterconduit guided through the hollow hinge and extending from the waterheater to the hot water dispenser to supply the hot water from the waterheater to the hot water dispenser; a hot water dispensing switch that,when actuated, selectively controls dispensing of the hot water from thedispenser nozzle; a control unit in operational communication with theat least one nozzle switch and the hot water dispensing switch, thecontrol unit initiating the dispensing of hot water from the dispensingnozzle upon input from at least two distinct operations, whereinactuation of the at least one nozzle switch comprises one of said atleast two distinct operations and permits but does not require thecontrol unit to initiate the dispensing of hot water from the dispensingnozzle, wherein actuation of the hot water dispensing switch comprisesanother of said at least two distinct operations, and wherein initiatingdispensing of the hot water from the dispenser nozzle is inhibited bythe control unit unless both of the at least one nozzle switch and thehot water dispensing switch are actuated; and a hot water activationswitch configured to selectively operate the hot water heater, whereindispensing of the hot water from the dispenser nozzle is inhibitedunless all of the at least one nozzle switch, the hot water dispensingswitch, and the hot water activation switch are actuated.
 2. Therefrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the water heater is a closecontact, water flow-through heater.
 3. The refrigerator according toclaim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor coupled to the waterheater.
 4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising awater flow meter arranged in-line with the water heater to measure anamount of water flowing through the water heater.
 5. The refrigeratoraccording to claim 1, wherein the water heater is mounted to an uppersurface of the cabinet.
 6. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein aprotective cover is arranged over the water heater.
 7. The refrigeratoraccording to claim 1, wherein the dispenser nozzle is configured torotate between the first and second positions.
 8. The refrigeratoraccording to claim 1, wherein the dispenser nozzle is biased towards thefirst position.
 9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, whereindispensing of the hot water from the dispenser nozzle is stopped whenone of the at least one nozzle switch and the hot water dispensingswitch subsequently change state.
 10. The refrigerator according toclaim 1, further comprising: an electrically-operated water valve thatis controlled by the control unit to selectively permit water flowthrough the water heater, wherein the control unit selectively operatesthe electrically-operated water valve based upon input from the at leastone nozzle switch and the hot water dispensing switch.
 11. Therefrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the control unit selectivelyoperates the electrically-operated water valve to permit water flowthrough the water heater only when both of the at least one nozzleswitch and the hot water dispensing switch are actuated.
 12. Therefrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the control unit selectivelyoperates the electrically-operated water valve to permit water flowthrough the water heater only when at least two of the at least onenozzle switch, the hot water dispensing switch, and the hot wateractivation switch are actuated.
 13. The refrigerator according to claim12, wherein the control unit selectively operates theelectrically-operated water valve to permit water flow through the waterheater only when all three of the at least one nozzle switch, the hotwater dispensing switch, and the hot water activation switch areactuated.
 14. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein theelectrically-operated water valve comprises a solenoid-operated valve.15. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the water heater isan on-demand water heater that heats water flowing through the waterheater for substantially immediate dispensing via the hot waterdispenser and without the use of a separate hot water tank.
 16. Therefrigerator according to claim 15, wherein the water heater comprises awater channel defined between an input and an outlet, and a heatingelement that extends along substantially all of a length of the waterchannel to thereby heat the water flowing through the water channel.